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Genesis performs in Visual Arts Theater
dvocate Mt. Hood Community College Gresham, Oregon
A&E p. 7
www.advocate-online.net
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
Volume 45, Issue 16
Cigarette butts continue to litter tobacco-free campus Public safety has issued only warnings so far Thelma M. Lucas The Advocate
A lot of cigarette butts may still be found around the Mt. Hood Community College campus despite the tobacco-free policy that began Jan. 2. People have been seen smoking on campus, around the main entrance, behind the main computer lab, around the Visual Arts department, and various other places. Head Public Safety Officer Wayne Feagle said thus far he has only given verbal warnings. “Eventually we’re going to go to that (fining people), we’ll eventually transition, but right now we’re just trying to get the word out that it’s a non-smoking campus,” said Feagle. “It’s a new thing, and we just want to get the word out.” June Jacobs assistant to the president for strategic initiatives and board relations, said, “I, personally, have not seen anyone smoking on campus but I have been told by others that they have. Public Safety has reported they have found most people to be very courteous when reminded of the new policy.” Jacobs said, “Unfortunately, I have seen cigarette butts around campus. People are still littering and dropping cigarette butts, which causes a problem for our already short-handed and overworked facilities crew. I would hope that those who are walking out to the sidewalks to smoke will remember to be respectful of other people not wishing to walk through clouds of smoke on their way to the bus stop or onto campus — and to please not litter.” The Tobacco Free Task Force met last week to
Smoking continued on page 9
Photo by Thelma M. Lucas/The Advocate
Smokers who may no longer light up on campus have taken to smoking near the bus stop on 257th Ave., and discard their butts along the curb.
Instructor says stereotypes 'perpetuated in the media' limit portrayals of black people L. John King The Advocate
“What’s the big deal?” was the name of the panel discussion held in the Lake Room Wednesday to consider the continued relevance of Black History Month. Naomi Abrahams, MHCC sociology instructor, opened with results of a study conducted by Devah Pager, a sociologist and faculty member at Princeton University. According to the study, black and white males, with fictional but identical resumes, received considerably different treatment when seeking employment. White males received more than three times the callbacks for second employment interviews as black males. In addition the study showed that whites with fictional criminal backgrounds received the same percentage of callbacks for second interviews as blacks with resumes showing no criminal backgrounds. Abrahams said racism, although more subtle in modern times, is still very much alive. Nicole Bragg, psychology instructor and Black Student Union adviser, spoke concerning stereotypes perpetuated in the
Date
Event
media that tend to limit portrayal of blacks as athletes, rappers and criminals. She said many historical achievements made by blacks are unknown to most people. One example Bragg gave was Ralph Bunche, the first person of color to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Fourteen years prior to Martin Luther King being awarded the same prize, Bunche was recognized for his work negotiating peace in the Arab-Israeli conflict. He later helped establish and administer the newly formed United Nations. Other notables in black history Bragg mentioned include: the first African-American federal judge, William H. Hastie, 1946; the inventor of the blood bank, Dr. Charles Drew, 1940; the first African American Ivy League president, Ruth Simmons, 2001, at Brown University; the first black patent holder,Thomas L. Jennings, 1821, for a dry-cleaning process; and Sarah E. Goode, 1885, the first African-American woman patent holder. Students were encouraged to visit the website infoplease.com to find biographies of notable African Americans and related Black History Month information.
Time
Place
Feb. 8
Being Black in America - Equity
noon - 1 p.m.
Town & Gown Room
Feb. 10
Breaking the Stereotypes - Open Forum
noon - 1 p.m.
College Center
Feb. 16
Being Black in America - Seminar
noon - 1 p.m.
Town & Gown Room
Feb. 18
‘Soulful Cafe’ Open Mic Night
noon - 1 p.m.
College Center
Feb. 24
Black History Month Jeopardy
noon - 1 p.m.
Vista Dining Center
Feb. 25
‘Afrocentric Celebration’ Cultural Fair
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Vista Dining Center
Long-time athletic administrative assistant calls it quits
Photo by Devin Courtright/The Advocate
Sociology instructor Naomi Abrahams lectures students during Wednesday’s panel discussion about the different treatment white and black males receive. Abrahams said racism, although more subtle in modern times, is still very much alive.
Index
Sports p. 4
Opinion
Drawing instructor's latest 'cohesive' work on display in Visual Arts Gallery A&E p. 7
Eating disorders still affect MHCC students News p. 10
Colts and Saints square off for Lombardi Trophy Sports p. 5
p. 2
Sports
p. 3-5
A&E
p. 6-7
News
p. 8-11
2
OPINION
The Advocate
Editorial
Take time to celebrate black history The MHCC Black Student Union is hosting eight events on campus to bring awareness to Black History Month. A schedule of the events can be found on the front page of The Advocate. These events are a great way to learn about events and people that stand out in the black community. Black History Month was established in 1976 to celebrate and recognize the impact of African Americans on American history. The second week of February was named as “Negro History Week” in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson but more recently the entire month of February has been observed for remembrance of important people in and events during Black History Month. February was chosen for two reasons: it marks the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who abolished slavery, and it marks the birthday of abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass. Black History Month is commonly observed by visiting museums of black history, open discussions of the ethics or ethnic profiling, skits relating to notable moments in black history, recitals from famous speeches and many more things. Eventually the question needs to be asked whether race relations in America have progressed to the point where we don’t have to recognize it as a one-month festivity. This should be a year-round celebration. When Barack Obama was elected as our 44th president, history was made. Barriers were broken down. Equality was at its finest. African American history is American history and should be recognized as a holiday every day of the year.
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Sanne Godfrey Editor-in-Chief Ron J. Rambo Jr. Executive Editor, Design Jake Fray Sports Editor Brett Stanley Photo Editor Chelsea Van Baalen A&E, Web Editor M. Michael Rose Music Editor Advertising Manager
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
Why this tax season made me cry Heather Nichelle-Peres
Would you feel very frustrated if you were forced to file taxes THREE SEPARATE TIMES? Unfortunately, since Or-
my teachers and anyone who checks for my state ID with my school-issued Higher One Mountain Card. The only solution is to pay Everyone hates tax season — everyone a large fee, petition a judge and spend but the tax preparers and the IRS. the day in court requesting the right Doing taxes is required of most to change the name federally to citizens. Most of us get frustratmatch the Oregon Identification ed by the paperwork, the comcard. plicated questions or the line at Registered Domestic Partners in Oregon may be But these problems are frusH&R Block. The only thing we required to file a state tax return as married, but trating annoyances that I’ve just have to look forward to is the their federal returns must still be filed as single. learned to deal with. But when I am tax return, the possible great It may seem complicated, but TurboTax can help. struggling to make ends meet and big check from Uncle Sam. As a to stay in school as a full-time stufull-time student I look forward As a couple, you’ll need to prepare three separate dent, the loss of money, even if I to my tax return to help supplefederal returns: never expected to receive it, can be ment my financial aid. This heartbreaking. year, the process of filing my -A single federal return for you There are 1,138 federal benefits taxes left me crying and feel -A single federal return for your partner and rights denied to me and my ing less like a U.S. citizen and -A married return (two if filing separately) family for the single reason that more disenfranchised. This my relationship of seven years is year I felt the direct impact of to file only with your state not recognized by the federal govmy unequal rights and it hurt ernment. No matter what your me deeply. Fig. 1 beliefs are on homosexuality, can As usual after receiving my you honestly look at me and say tax forms I loaded up www. I deserve less than you, that I am turbotax.com on my computer less of a citizen than you? I am and sat down for what I hoped your friend, your student, your would be a couple hours of daughter, your sister, your aunt, frustration. First step: mariyour co-worker and your neightal status, Registered Dobor. Should I have to fight for mestic Partnership (RDP). equal rights under the law? I Then I saw the pop-up don’t care if it’s called marbox (see Fig. 1) riage, civil union, domestic After spending four partnership or same-sex hours filing three sepaunion, but my family derate returns, I noticed serves equal rights. something very disturbing. This Wednesday at the Student ActiviIf my domestic partnership was recognized egon passed the Domestic Partnership law on a federal level, my family would have re- in 2008, it wasn’t until this year that the tax ties Board “Love Week” Karaoke Event in ceived an additional $700 on our federal tax system caught up to the Oregon state law the Vista Dining Center, the Queer Straight returns. For some, $700 might not be a lot to make the appropriate changes. I spend Alliance will be partnering with Basic Rights of money. But for a low-income, full-time a lot of time in my daily life dealing with Oregon to film 30-second videos in support student, a 78 percent increase in your tax the inequities of having a same-sex part- of Federal Marriage Equality from 11a.m. return could have provided us one month of ner. As a student, if your married name –2 p.m. We ask that you take a moment to rent, or one year of textbooks, or six months does not match her Social Security card, stop by and learn how you can help and/ it causes daily confusion with financial aid, or film a video and let your voice be heard. of groceries. Realizing this, I began to cry. President of the Queer Straight Alliance
Apple's iPad is a technological faux pas Jordan Tichenor The Advocate
The sheep are lining up as anticipation builds for Apple’s next big cash cow. The multi-billion dollar computer company announced the iPad last week, which brought many smirks from Microsoft fans, to whom tablet computers is no new concept. Many of us also realized that the design seemed extremely familiar. Of course, we did not realize that they had not only taken the iPhone and enlarged it, but for some reason, they had also kept the operating system. Which is rather disappointing, considering the opportunity that Apple had to launch the iPad with Mac OS X and be a truly powerful computing device. But no, they decided to shoot themselves in the foot and cripple the device from the start. The other logical fallacies in the design include: no webcam, 64 gigabytes of non-expandable memory, no ability to multitask, no flash, no HDMI out, no built-in USB port, and the name “iPad.” All joking aside about what has to be the worst name in technology history, the list of features that the supposed computer doesn’t have leaves one to wonder what exactly the thing is supposed to do.
Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030 www.advocate-online.net
Jen Ashenberner Reporter Ollie Barker Reporter Ben Brady Reporter Nicholas Buell Reporter Devin Courtright Reporter Jon Fuccillo Reporter Riley Hinds Reporter L. John King Reporter Thelma M. Lucas Reporter Mario Rubio Reporter Corin Salnavé Reporter Reed Shackelford Reporter Jordan Tichenor Reporter
For something that is supposed to be a revolution in personal computers, it seems to leave out almost every feature that even the most low-end computers have no problem implementing. It’s mind boggling that something as basic as multitasking, which is the ability to have more than one application open at once, has somehow been deemed “unnecessary” for the so called “computer.” If Microsoft did this with one of their computers, they would be ridiculed, and yet when Apple does it, its revolutionary. And what can one do with 64 gigabytes of space? Yes, I understand that it utilizes a more reliable type of memory storage, which is great. But then why wouldn’t it at least come built in with a USB port so that expandable hard drives could be connected to it? Perhaps the most glaring error, however, is the noticeable absence of Flash, the element of nearly every modern webpage, and of course the thing that makes all streaming videos work. Not having flash was annoying on the iPhone, but understandable. There’s no excuse on something that is labeled as a “computer.” Basically, it comes down to this: The iPad is the price of a computer but without the computer functionality. With no true innovations, it seems that the iPad is simply Apple’s attempt to squeeze as much money out of their iPhone design as possible. The iPad is not revolutionary, special, or even very useful. It is an overpriced, oversized, and overglorified iPhone, which cannot and should not be called innovative, let alone useful.
E-mail advocatt@mhcc.edu 503-491-7250 (Main) 503-491-7413 (Office) 503-591-6064 (Fax)
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Submissions The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission. Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board.
The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@ mhcc.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print. Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.
SPORTS
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
The Advocate 3
Saints seek solution to second-half scoring woes Jon Fuccillo
of the guys on the court so much better. I just told him recently to be the best teammate that he can be for the final six weeks of the season.” The Saints men’s basketball team defeated the Leading the way for the Roadrunners was Linn-Benton Community College Roadrunners SatJordan Highland, who scored 23 points. Andrew urday night 80-69 in front of a packed house in the Carter had 16 points and nine rebounds in the losMHCC gymnasium. ing effort. The Roadrunners came into Saturday night’s acThe Saints travel to Portland Community Coltion on a high note, winning seven of their last eight lege Saturday to play the Panthers in a 6 p.m. games. They are tied for second place in the Southgame. The Panthers are in last place in the Southern Region with a record of 5-2 in league and 10-8 ern Region with a record of 1-6, and 7-11 overall. overall. The Panthers are led by freshman forwards KenThe Saints took a 15-point lead heading into half neth Kirkland Jr. and Kashias Lewis, who are both 41-26, which was nothing new for the team’s offense. among the top 15 scorers in the NWAACC. KirkIn seven league games this season, the Saints have land averages 21.9 points per game and Lewis 17.7 led or been tied at the half. In six out of those seven points per contest. games, the Saints have been outscored by their opGibor knows the importance of taking it one ponents by an average of six points per game in the game at a time and making sure his team goes into second half. the match with a strong mindset. “It’s almost like a snowball effect,” said Head “They are coming off a high with beating Lane Coach Geoff Gibor on the difference between the Community College (on Saturday night) who beat first and second half. “Seventy-five percent of the us recently,” he said. “They want it in their house. time between the 12-minute and three-minute mark, We need to continue to grow and play through inwe go through a wall. Trust me, we are working on juries.” it. It’s really frustrating as the coach. You want your In their first matchup of the season at home, the guys to push through it. It’s really interesting — when Saints walked away with an easy 20-point blowout, we play very well defensively, we play real well of87-67. In that game the Saints were led by forward fensively. I am trying to teach the guys to split it (the Jeremy Jones, who scored a game-high 24 points. game) up into eight five-minute games.” The Saints for the second game in a row will be Saints forward Jamar Johnson was crucial in with out Jeremy Jones, who is sidelined with a left the 11-point victory, scoring a game high 24 points high ankle sprain. with 7 of 14 from the field and 9 of 15 from the free “It’s much worse then I thought,” said Jeremy throw line. Johnson leads the Saints in scoring with a Photo by Brett Stanley/ The Advocate Jones on the injury. “The doctor said he doesn’t 15.7-point average. Center Chris Weitzel scored 13 points and Freshman forward Nate Gepford fights for a loose ball with Linn-Benton Community College have a name for the injury. I have torn ligaments grabbed nine rebounds for the Saints. Forward re- Roadrunner Xavier Watson during the Saints 80-69 home victory Saturday. Gepford finished and muscles. He (the doctor) said it’s the worst high-ankle sprain he has ever seen. The doctor said serve Nate Gepford was one point away from his first with nine points, 10 rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes of action. I should be out for the season, but that’s not going started chipping away in the second half. To their credit they double-double, finishing with nine points and 10 reto happen. I want to be back in time for NWAACCs to help were doing a great job. bounds. The Roadrunners defense held point guard Earl Jones to my team win a championship.” “Nate had a great game for us,” said Gibor. “Anytime you Gibor said, “The doctor he went to wasn’t as positive as get 10 rebounds, the coach is happy. We need guys playing a season-low six points — which is nine points under his seawe thought,” he said. “We are keeping him in strong cardioson average — on two-of-nine shooting from the floor. like that down the stretch.” “Everyone is coming after him this year,” said Gibor on vascular shape. That way he doesn’t lose a lot by not being Gibor had a feeling that his team had the game won from the start. “(We) had total control of the game,” he said. “The how teams are defending Earl Jones. “People know about on the court. We aren’t sure when he will be able to come game kind of got boring in the second half. They (Roadrun- him. He knows that his numbers are down from last year back. Obviously we are losing a lot with him not being on ners) weren’t explosive at all, and then all of a sudden they and I know that’s frustrating for him. But he makes the rest the court.” The Advocate
Women knock off Linn-Benton CC, look to beat Panthers Riley Hinds The Advocate
Photo by Brett Stanley/ The Advocate
Freshman center Lauren Codling goes up for a shot during Saturday’s 55-38 home victory over Linn-Benton Community College.
The Lady Saints held the Linn-Benton Road Runners at bay throughout the game Saturday to post a convincing 55-38 win over the seventhranked team in the Southern Region. MHCC improved its record to 4-3 in conference and is in third place, one game ahead of SWOCC. The women produced a balanced attack, with practically the entire team attempting at least four field goals. Sophomore guards Brooklyn Bahme, Shawnelle Cambell and sophomore center Katie Smith all had more than 10 shots apiece. Sophomore forward Brittany Burroughs scored nine points while Bahme scored 10 points and sophomore Brittney Yates also chipped in with nine points. The girls were coming off a hard 71-59 loss to Lane Community College on Jan. 27 in which they gave the Southern Region leaders reason to worry, according to Women’s Head Coach Larry Davis. Even with the win over Linn-Benton, the players and Davis said they were disappointed in their overall play. “We were expecting to win this game, but we don’t feel like we gave it our all,” said Bahme. “We could have beat them by a lot
more, but because we weren’t expecting much opposition, we more or less let our guard down a little.” Bahme was adamant, saying the mistake would not happen a second time. “Our next game is kind of a statement game and we hope to dominate,” she said. “Our goal is to consistently step up our level of play every game, find errors and places of improvement and work on them. We want to play to the best of our ability.” Asked if there were any practice strategies the team uses for the more important games, Bahme said, “Defensively, we try and shut down their key players of course, but at the same time we don’t want to get too far away from our usual defensive tactics.” Davis said, “Preparation-wise, there’s no difference. The day before a game we do a scatter report, watch game film, and obviously on-court practice. It doesn’t matter if it’s the team on the bottom or the team on the top, we still play the same way.” The team will face the Portland Community College Panthers Saturday Saturday at 4 p.m. at PCC. The Panthers are 0-7 in the Southern Region and 2-16 overall this season. The Saints then take on Clackamas Community College Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Oregon City.
Saints softball occupies top spot in preseason poll
Chelsea Van Baalen The Advocate
MHCC’s softball team kicked off practices this week on Monday with a roster of six returning players and 13 new recruits. Head Coach Meadow McWhorter said the team will now be practicing six days a week. “March 6 is our first game,” McWhorter said. “It’s crunch time for a good month.” The Saints are ranked number one in the preseason NWAACC poll. The team won the championship last year and McWhorter said they are determined to do it again. “That’s our number one goal,” McWhorter said. McWhorter added that the new players are doing well in their new surroundings. “They have just meshed with the program so well,” she said. McWhorter said that when the new players were filling out their player profiles, there was a common, yet important, topic written down.
“Almost everyone of them said ‘family’,” McWhorter said. One of the new faces is Emily Enders, a walk-on pitcher. “She has come on and is continually transforming herself as a pitcher,” McWhorter said. Chelsea Schriber is also new to the Saints’ pitching staff, and McWhorter said “she is one of the most poised pitchers in the program.” McWhorter said, “The staff of five pitchers we have is so diverse, so different in their abilities.” Aside from Schriber and Enders, three players from Parkrose High School have joined the team: Katie Brokaw, Jen Bertalot and Kayla Stanfill. “All three played for a former teammate of mine from Mt. Hood,” McWhorter said, “so we’re really keeping it in the family.” McWhorter added, “We have several athletes from Vancouver.” This includes outfielder Jessica Guy. “I’ve been watching her play since she was in the seventh
grade,” McWhorter said. “(She’s) the epitome of an athlete who works hard on and off the field. She’s a true student of the game.” When recruiting new players, McWhorter said she spends a lot of time at tournaments. “There’s about four or five tournaments I got to,” McWhorter said. “They’re ASA (Amateur Softball Association) tournaments.” She added that most of these tournaments are Gold Tournaments. “ Gold is kind of your premier athletes,” McWhorter said. “It’s more to set up tournaments to draw college coaches.” McWhorter said, “I can’t wait to start playing. This is going to be a fun year to coach,” she said. As for maintaining the team’s focus on family, McWhorter said, “When you step inbetween those lines, it is us versus them. And one of the favorite quotes we have is (that) you play for the person next to you.”
4 The Advocate
SPORTS
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
The 'sweetest' Saint bids adieu
Story by Jake Fray Photos by Brett Stanley
Jan Sweet hits the road to Arizona after 21 years of dedicated service to MHCC athletics
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fter 21 years of dedicated service, Athletics Administrative Secretary Jan Sweet retired Tuesday. “It is just my time to go and I am at peace with my decision,” said Sweet. Sweet came to Mt. Hood after living 30 years down in Santa Barbara, Calif. She moved to Oregon because her husband Gene transferred to the Northwest to work for the National Forest Service. In January 1989, Sweet was hired on at MHCC as a part-time clerk and signed a ten-month contract. “I was a clerk in the Health and Physical Education Department when Bruce Turner was here,” said Sweet. Sweet moved into the full-time secretary position in the 1994-95 year when long time Athletic Secretary Betty Jones retired and nobody wanted her job but Sweet. “Nobody was interested in the position,” said Sweet. “There was a lot of cross-over in our positions and I was the only one interested. I knew so much about the position because of how close we worked together. I have been doing it ever since.” Over the years, Sweet has made many friends but one of her closest friends is Fred Schnell, who is health and physical education instructor and was hired the same year as Sweet. “When I first got hired, she was a receptionist,” said Schnell. “When I began coaching, Jan helped me with anything that needed to be done. From the scheduling, doing rosters, it didn’t matter — she did it.” Schnell and Sweet became close friends, sharing many moments in each other’s lives. Many occurred when Schnell became the athletic director, which put them working sideby-side. “We have shared birthday parties,” said Schnell. “We both lived in Sandy, raised our families together. She was there when I needed her most. She was my support system when I got divorced and then re-married two years later. She was there for me when I needed her to be. She was even in my second wedding. It will be sad to see her go because I’m losing a close friend. It will be hard not seeing her every day and getting to catch up. I will miss her.” Sweet’s said her goal was to make her job fun and wasn’t all about work. More importantly, she said she was working for the students in the athletic programs. As for women’s volleyball Head Coach Chelsie Freeman, it has been a big change for her. “It has been crazy,” she said. “I have known her since 2001 — when I was a player, and an assistant, and now being the head coach. She has been like a motherly figure to me for so long it is weird she is not going to be here anymore.” Sweet said, “The kids made me get up in the morning. Athletes are a special breed of people because they are a team. There is such an emphasis on the word team here. It sets them apart and makes me want to help them. “These kids are like my children and grandchildren. If
“This place was like my family for so long and still is. It is hard to go but I am okay with it.”
Jan Sweet Athletic administrative secretary these kids had any issues they come straight into my office and we just talk. There have been many tears shed in here. They made me want to come in every morning and do what I do.” Schnell said, “I always told Jan she is an enabler. She helps all the coaches out and covered for us and still does it. She knows all the policies and procedures and she would tell us what to do and we did it. As coaches we were supposed to know how to do a lot of things and she would always just do them for us. “As an athletic department, I think we are going to struggle and it will be a process because we are losing someone that was so dedicated to this program and the kids it will be tough,” he said. “Coaches will have to learn things they didn’t have to do because she helped do it for them. She cared so much about this program. She would do anything that needed to be done.” Freeman said, “She kept on top of us (coaches) to turn our paper work in, making sure we stick to our budgets. I think a lot of people took for granted how much work she does for us. It will be a struggle to fill her position but we will eventually figure it out.” As for why Sweet is leaving with such short notice, she feels it was just time to go. “It is not difficult for me to leave under these conditions,” said Sweet. “Due to my husband.s health issues, and him being down in Arizona already where I plan to retire, and with how the reorganization has gone starting with Rob (Nielson), it just feels like it’s my time to go.” Through the years, Sweet has made many different bonds and she said she has been committed to the MHCC Athletic Department. “I think people know I am committed and have passion for my job,” Sweet said. “I feel like I don’t have an enemy in the world and all I wanted to do was come to school and work with a smile. Everything I did was for the kids and it has meant the world to me to form the relationships I have had over the years.” Some key memories for Sweet was when she won her Outstanding Support Staff award in 1993. “I am usually never at a loss for words,” said Sweet. “But I was at that moment. Everything has been a highlight for me. From attending baseball championships games, basketball games, softball games. Everything has been great for me.”
But the biggest moment for Sweet was when Brian Burres, (a former MHCC baseball player now pitching in the major leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates) gave her a surprise. “Brian brought me flowers in a vase and thanked me personally for getting him eligible to play baseball. It touched me and made me realize what I was doing mattered and it was a reason why I care so much for these kids that I kept going.” As for Sweet’s plans, she just looks to spend time in Arizona with her family. “I can’t wait to get down there and spend time with my family,” said Sweet. “My husband I hope to travel around the country because there is so much to see. We have plans to just get on our bike and ride.” As for when she walks out of her office for the last time, Sweet says it will be one of the strangest feelings she will ever have. “I will just reflect on the time I have spent here,” she said. “It will be weird looking at all the pictures and banners I have been a part of. I am proud of what I have accomplished and happy with how much I have been a part of these kids’ lives.” Even with Sweet gone, Schnell looks to engrave Sweet’s name in NWAACC history books. “She was willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. She took work home, spent long hours working here and after 21 years of service I cannot wait to nominate her for the NWAACC Hall of Fame. She deserves it.” As for everything that has happened throughout her career, Sweet can say it is the right time for her to leave. “I am at peace with what I have to do and will miss everyone,” she said. “This place was like my family for so long and still is. It is hard to go but I am okay with it.”
Jan Sweet
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
Super
SPORTS
The Advocate 5
Bowl
XLiv
Colts QB Peyton Manning
Saints QB Drew Brees
The New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts square off Sunday for football's ultimate prize
Saints will take advantage of rare chance in spotlight
Jon Fuccillo The Advocate
On Aug. 28, 2005, New Orleans, the beloved city of the Saints, was blind-sided by the deadliest U.S. hurricane since 1925. More than 1,836 people lost their lives that day as Katrina surged through the Gulf coast. For that reason alone, I have the Saints winning off pure gut instinct. For people who say Super Bowl XLIV between the New Orleans Saints (13-3) and Indianapolis Colts (14-2) is just a game, you have something else coming. Not to mention it’s not every year that arguably the two best teams in the league face one another for the championship. I am a guy of firsts and if the Saints pull this one out, they would be crowned for their first time in their 33-year franchise history. They’ve already made history in New Orleans by coming this far. Why stop now? One win away from their biggest win in franchise history - how can a team not get pumped for that opportunity? Experts typically say that defense and running the ball win big games. And I am not here to argue that fact. But in this matchup of high profile quarterbacks — MVP Payton Manning (Colts) and the rugged slinger Drew Brees (Saints) — it’s going to be a passing frenzy. Combined, the two all-pro QBs threw for 9,188 yards and 67 touchdowns in 16 regular season games. At some point, defense will have to play a factor in the outcome but don’t hold your breath on defense winning this time around. The Saints are led on offense by receivers Marques Colston (1,074 yards), Devery Henderson (804 yards), Robert Meachem (722 yards) and Jeremy Shockey (569 yards). In order for this team to
The Colts have become New England Patriots, v2.0
be successful, all four players will have to get involved and get their touches as much as possible. That’s what this team does: wears and tears you down with their throwing game. Somewhere in the back of Shockey’s crazy brain, he wants a second chance to prove himself on the big stage. Shockey was a member of the New York Giants Super Bowl XLII championship team when they pulled off the world’s biggest miracle, an upset over the thenundefeated New England Patriots. But Shockey was sidelined with a broken left fibula and suffered damage to his ankle and wasn’t able to play. Time to shine, big boy. Running backs Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell and Reggie Bush averaged 131.6 yards per game during the regular season, compared to a Colts 80.9 yards per contest. With that said, Bush has been anything but the USC Bush that we once saw. He has become one of the most talented pass-catchng running backs in the game and has playmaking abilities that can’t be stopped. It just depends on which Bush will show up to play. I know, I know, I mentioned earlier that it was going to be more than just defense and the running game that wins. But when your team has a better running game and gives up fewer points then the other team (hint, hint), the Saints have them beat in both categories. That sounds like a great recipe in capturing their first Super Bowl victory. Somehow the Saints defense needs to distract Manning and find a way to blitz him effectively and take his mind out of the game. That won’t be an easy task, considering Manning’s IQ and his tendency to pick defenses apart on a weekly basis. Here’s something new for me: I am going to have a John Madden moment. The team that shows up ready to play and puts more points on the board is going to be the winning team. That’s why I have to go with the Saints.
Ron J. Rambo Jr. The Advocate
The Indianapolis Colts, in their second Super Bowl in four years, are now officially the luckiest team in the league. Two weeks ago, the Colts were playing the Baltimore Ravens in a game that was close in the first quarter. By halftime, the Colts had a 17-3 lead that appeared insurmountable considering how little the Ravens’ offense had produced; they had, for some ridiculous reason, abandoned the run after little success on their first drive. To start the third quarter, Colts QB Peyton Manning threw an interception right to Ravens safety Ed Reed – and Reed promptly fumbled on the return. Another Manning interception later in the game was nullified by a penalty. Hosting the New York Jets last week, the visiting team was up 17-13 at the start of the third quarter and had possession of the ball. Once they reached midfield, RB Shonn Greene, who appeared on his way to having a marvelous game, got injured. Enter 31-year-old RB Thomas Jones, who had averaged a mere 3.1 yards per carry since week 15. The Jets offense stalled around the Colts’ 40-yard line, punted — and did nothing the rest of the game. On the ensuing drive, Manning threw a short slant to WR Reggie Wayne, who then fumbled. Surely, the Jets have a chance now! Miraculously, the ball fell out and bounced in the direction Wayne was falling. Wayne fell on the ball, putting a “Game Over” stamp on the Jets’ Super Bowl hopes. My point? All of these things were sheer luck. The Colts won seven games during the regular season on the final drive. They can’t run the ball (they fin-
ished 32nd out of 32 teams), they do nothing special offensively, their defense is light and has no legitimate playmakers, yet they keep winning. The Colts operate perhaps the most basic offense in the NFL. They try to run the ball, and either pick up less than four yards or get stuffed for no gain. Then they run play-action passes, and perform no trick plays. Their offense is basic, yet Terminator-like in precision. Their defense isn’t overly talented, but are disciplined and play their assignments as well as any defense in the league. And for all the reasons listed above (and many more), they are lucky. They are, for all intents and purposes, the 2001-2004 New England Patriots. The Patriots thrived on three things: luck, a slow-moving, efficient, ball-control offense and a sound defense. The Colts are doing these three things better than anyone. The Saints are a total contrast. They play blitz-happy, turnover-reliant defense and formation-variant offense. The Saints have had a great deal of luck this season as well, especially last week. I would have more faith in the Saints if they hadn’t been beaten by Minnesota in every possible category (except turnovers) in the NFC Championship game. Being plus-4 in turnovers means New Orleans should have won by at least 10 points, not by three in overtime. Ironically, I think if Minnesota were playing against the Colts, they’d win. In fact, the Colts are probably only the fifth or sixth best team in the league, but all of the teams better than them have been eliminated. En route to this Super Bowl, they beat the lowest possible AFC seeds (fifth and sixth seeds) and have a strong match-up against New Orleans. I’d love to see Saints QB Drew Brees win a Super Bowl, and I (like the rest of America) will be rooting for the Saints. In the end though, I just can’t bet against the kind of luck that has been prevalent so often this decade.
Advocate staff predictions:
Jon Fuccillo: 31-24, Saints
Jake Fray: 36-27, Colts
Sanne Godfrey: 28-24, Colts
Brett Stanley: 34-23, Colts
Ron J. Rambo Jr.: 38-24, Colts
MVP: QB Drew Brees
MVP: QB Peyton Manning
MVP: QB Peyton Manning
MVP: QB Peyton Manning
MVP: QB Peyton Manning
6
A&E
The Advocate
Leaving a Legacy
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
Story and photos by Devin Courtright
Fisheries student looks to give back to MHCC with a sculpture
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Illustration by Christopher Hernandez
“That’s what my hope is. I want to be able to give back to this college for giving me the opportunity to come out here and follow my dreams.”
Steve Collie, MHCC fisheries student
efore he graduates from MHCC this year, fisher- decided to move to the Baja Coast in Jaucumba, Mexico, ies major Steve Collie plans to leave his mark on and lived in a nudist colony for four years. the college in a positive way. “I lived on the beach in Mexico and just surfed everyThrough self-exploration and experience, the day and enjoyed life,” he said. 50-year-old student from Seattle wants to inspire future Collie, however, had an epiphany and decided to leave generations to follow their dreams and reach their full po- Mexico because he wanted to be a better role model for tential just as he has. his twin sons, who are now 16, from his previous marCollie has been a student at MHCC since the summer riage. of 2008 and ever since he went back to school, he has “One of my sons came down to spend the summer been driven to be successful and dedicated to obtain his with me and he was checking out my lifestyle and he said associate of applied science degree in fisheries technolo- to me ‘Dad, when I grow up, I want to be just like you.’ gy. In return for providing him an education and the skills And I asked him, ‘What does that mean to you?’ He said, to pursue his dream of being a marine biologist, Collie ‘I want to sit on the beach, get drunk everyday and tell the says he wants to give back to the college by creating a new world to f*** off ’ and I was like, ‘Uhh . . . this isn’t a very and improved “water feature.” good role model for my son,” said Collie. “That was the “That’s what my hope is. I want to be able to give back driving force that said ‘All right, I’m a father now’ and I to this college for giving me the opportunity to come out had been for years but never really participated. Now it’s here and follow my dreams,” said Collie. time to show them (his sons) who I really am.” Asked about Collie’s project, Todd Hanna, fisheries After his son visited him in Mexico in the summer of instructor, said, “I know he’s just doing that because it’s 2004, Collie traveled back to Portland with his son and more of a personal interest. He just wants to re-do that, decided to lay anchor permanently in the city of bridges which would be nice because when that was run“I came back up here and decided ning out there, it was pretty nice,” said Hanna. to be a better person. It’s kind of (like) According to part-time fisheries instructor Jack what the Tim McGraw song says, ‘I was Congdon, the water feature by the fisheries area living like I was dying,’ literally, and I has been inactive for the last six years due to leakdecided to be a better person, friend, age in the rubber lining behind the waterfall. As a parent, father, husband, student, anyresult of the outflow of water and the demise of thing I could to be a part of society the horticulture program, which created the water again and that’s what leads me to where feature, the college stopped maintaining it. I’m at,” Collie said. “I kept the filters out and cleaned them out and At that same time, Collie met his put them in storage, so that some time in the fubest friend/fiancé at a karaoke bar ture, if somebody decides to do something with it, and it was mainly her inspiration that that they wouldn’t be out there destroyed by the got him to go back to school. “My best Steve Collie weather,” said Congdon. “That’s basically what I friend told me I can do it and I should did.” give back a little bit . . . and when I found out I can give What Collie plans to do about the unattended fisheries back a little bit, I was hooked,” said Collie. pond is temporarily move all the rocks, remove and add Ever since Collie started going back to school, he has a new liner, clean/vacuum the leaves from the pond, and maintained a 3.86 GPA and is on the president’s honor buy a new table outside next to the water feature. The roll. “I attempt to put all that energy in my school work,” fish sculpture will sit in the middle of the 18” deep pond, said Collie. shooting out water, which will be accompanied by water Another project Collie is working on is his fisheries coming down the waterfall, says Collie. The sculpture will field project, known as “Aquaponics,” a combination of be 30” tall, made out of aluminum, which he said will be aquaculture, the farming of fish, and hydroponics, grow“really shiny” and fishlike. ing plants without soil. “Since I’ve been in fisheries, I figured I know a little “I could have chosen an easier project for my field bit about fish. I can make a fish sculpture),” said Collie. “I project but I like to push myself a little bit, so I came like doing arts and crafts, and camping stuff. I’ve been in up with Aquaponics and I wanted to show that this does ceramics up here for two years and learned how to throw work. I wanted introduce other people to see (and think) pots and everything,” he said. ‘Hey, we can step out of the box a little bit and become “What I intend on having it say on the bottom of my better people all in all,” said Collie. “People are not edustatue is ‘Donated, Class of 2010.’ That way, when every cated enough to know that it does work or what it’s all student comes in here and they see this water feature run- about. People have heard of aquaculture and they know ning, (they can) sit, have a nice afternoon, whether they’re that growing fish works and people know that hydroponjust studying, relaxing, or taking appreciation of what’s ics works but introducing the two together, making them going on. I want to give back to the college,” said Collie. self-sustaining, is the key.” Collie said he grew up in an non-traditional lifestyle, Collie said other fisheries students are excited to help moving around constantly, because his father was a game him out with his goal for the water feature. warden at national parks around the country. “That’s how you get people involved is by one person “My parents were kind of hippies in a way. They also starting out saying, ‘All right, I going to make a change’ lived and enjoyed the alternative lifestyle,” said Collie. and then other people see that that change happens and After graduating from Green River High School in then they say, ‘All right, well, I want to try it. What can Seattle, Collie went to the University of Washington to I do?” pursue a major in engineering Collie “It’s going to be cool. I’ll be able to come up Around the year 2000, Collie said he became disillu- here, hopefully in 20 years and then be able to say, ‘Hey, sioned with his day job, and society for that matter, and I did that.’ ”
“....When every student comes in here and they see this water feature running, (they can) sit, have a nice afternoon; whether (they’re) just studying, relaxing, or taking appreciation of what’s going on…. I want to give back to the college.” MHCC fisheries student Steve Collie will move all the rocks, remove and add a new liner, clean/vacuum the leaves from the pond, and a new table outside next to the pond. Then Collie will place the sculpture he is constructing in the middle of the 18” deep pond.
Steve Collie, MHCC fisheries student
A&E
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
'Fossil'
MHCC drawing instructor Nathan Orosco brings his 'social political commentary' to the Visual Arts Gallery
Photo
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The Advocate 7 Chelsea Van Baalen The Advocate
Drawing instructor Nathan Orosco’s new exhibit “Fossil” in the Visual Arts Gallery is an accumulation of his various works. “I want the show to fit together in bits and pieces to make one cohesive show,” Orosco said. The pieces in the show are comprised of various materials, including cast metal aluminum, steel, ink drawings, digital photography, paper, cast plaster and video. Orosco said the inspiration came from growing up in Texas, an industrial part of the country. Orosco grew up feeling the influence of the industry that surrounded him. “It (the exhibit) is a social-political commentary,” Orosco said. “It’s really a commentary on the economic industry.” Pieces include three digital photos of Orosco meditating in front of a Wal-Mart, while a video projects the ruins of Rome. Nathan Orosco The drawings on display are “formal studies of subconscious thought” according to Orosco. “I like to draw almost how I like to think about memory,” he said. “Really, I begin with a mark and it travels into what you see.” With using cast plaster for some of his pieces, such as the sculpture of a Mayan’s face, Orosco said, “I just wanted the sterile white that plaster provides.” Orosco said he isn’t too concerned with what viewers will get out of the exhibit. “I don’t want them to think about anything but what they’re thinking about,” Orosco said. “We (artists) create art as a means of expression. “It’s (the exhibit) more metaphorical than narrative.” In his artist’s statement on display in the gallery, Orosco said, “Underlying the show there is a feeling that the objects, the machines, the cities that we have built will all become eternal sentinels, keeping watch over a soundless, motionless landscape.” Orosco’s exhibit will be on display until Feb. 25. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Genesis performs tribute to Hal Malcolm at concert Jen Ashenberner The Advocate
Genesis, MHCC’s vocal jazz ensemble, performed Tuesday night featuring music arranged by late instructor Hal Malcolm. Malcolm, who founded the jazz choir, died in December of cancer. The highlight of the show was when Dave Barduhn, Genesis and vocal music director, dedicated “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” to Malcolm. The song was performed very well by a group that seemed to know what the audience was expecting: good harmony and a balanced array of music. Rose Reynolds, second-year music education major, said, “We were a little low on energy but we just came out of the recording studio.” “You always know there’s something you can do better,” said Reynolds. This was the second performance with Genesis for first-year general studies major Mark McSpadden. He said the group did all right but needs to put in some work on closing their phrases. “We try to do better every performance,” he said. During the show, Barduhn announced that the group would be going to Bend this weekend to perform with three local high schools there. According to Genesis member Clay Linedquist, a first-year geology major, most of the sales from performances go toward the costs and fees for touring and recording. “The overflow goes to the Music Department,” he said. Asked how he felt Genesis did Tuesday night, “On a scale of one to ten, I would say a 7.8,” he said. “We had good energy and most of us had more fun than usual.”
Photos by Jen Ashenberner/The Advocate
Above: Genesis performs Tuesday in the Visual Arts Theater. The group performed a tribute to late MHCC instructor and Genesis founder Hal Malcolm. Left: Genesis Director Dave Barduhn leads Genesis during the performance.
Rob Zombie's new album hits a high note, 'meant to be fun' Devin Courtright The Advocate
As a fellow head-banger and guitar player, I will always consider Rob Zombie one of my favorite musicians of all time. When he came out with his first solo album, “Hellbilly Deluxe,” it became one of the most iconic albums to come out in the alternative metal sound of the late ’90s. It had a dark, theatrical atmosphere, with a splash of vaudeville horror/humor and erotica, powered by heavy driven industrial/groove metal. That’s why when I heard Zombie was coming out with a sequel to that original work of art, I was thrilled and couldn’t wait to listen to it. “Hellbilly Deluxe 2,” even though is slightly overshadowed by its predecessor, is a breath of fresh air for Zombie’s fourth studio album effort. It’s basically the sound of his last album, “Educated Horses” but with more attitude, personality, and creativity – and, let’s not forget, some of the qualities that made the first “Hellbilly Deluxe” such a great album. “Hellbilly Deluxe 2” doesn’t necessarily pick up from where the previous one left off, but rather takes it and goes into a world of its own – which is a good thing and it should be that way but as a fan, you just can’t help but miss the good ole days. And I don’t mean to dwell in the past but I will say this: it’s a good return to Zombie’s more vaudeville horror/humor themed
roots. As far as the visuals of the album, right from the getgo, the album cover symbolizes that the current Rob Zombie (from “Educated Horses”) died and came back from the dead with a vengeance, so to speak, and was stitched up and reborn into his old Zombie self. I thought he could have tried a little harder for a more creative, edgier-looking cover but the photo does at least let his fans know, myself included, that he’s back and ready to play some gnarly, heavy groovin’ metal. The rest of the album artwork brings you back more toward the “Hellbilly Deluxe” era, showing more interesting and creatively thought-out illustrations. The only thing that kind of kills it is that at times some of the artwork looks a little too cartoonish, as if he’s appealing to a younger teenage crowd. As for the photography, it’s not bad; Zombie’s wife Shari Moon looks sexy as always. Even Zombie and the band look better than the previous album because
it looks like they’re actually having fun, which is a good thing. The only thing that brings it down, though, is the overall lightness of it. For my taste it can be a tad darker, especially with it having the “Hellbilly Deluxe” tag on it. The music and lyrics are well written by Zombie and guitarist John 5. The lineup is the same, with the exception of new bass player Piggy D. The first track, “Jesus Frankenstein,” opens as an eerie atmospheric intro, followed by a dark, gothic melody quite similar (or possibly identical) to Black Sabbath’s self-titled song “Black Sabbath.” What’s cool about this song is that its tempo slowly gets faster and faster and has more riff changes than the average Zombie song. Besides the creativity, the lyrics are also interesting as well, with the chorus saying, “All hail, Jesus Frankenstein!” Other songs that stand out for their creativity are “Mars Needs Women” (acoustic blues guitar intro and fun sci-fi lyrics), “Virgin Witch” (gothic
influences), “Werewolf Women of the SS” (surf-rock meets vaudeville horror), and the last track, “The Man Who Laughs” (lyrics reference the Joker, from Batman, and an awesome but rare drum solo). The songs “Sick Bubble-Gum” and his first single “What!” stand out but more for their catchy guitar riffs/ lyrical hooks (I had the main riff to “What!” stuck in my head for hours) and radio-friendly repetitiveness. Don’t get me wrong, they’re cool songs, They just have more style than substance. The rest of the songs are good to listen to, or even for some people to dance to, but they don’t stand out as anything special or anything you would want to listen to multiple times. Overall, the sequel to “Hellbilly Deluxe” may not be as dark and sinister as the first one, but it sure surpasses “Educated Horses.” It’s packed with creativity, interesting song titles and lyrics, and the musical composition is pretty good with the new lineup. What’s important to remember is that Rob Zombie is not the same “Zombie” as he was 10 years ago. He’s grown and changed obviously as a human being and plus he’s more focused in making awesome horror movies. Rob Zombie is at least moving in the right direction and, all in all, this is a fun album to listen to. It was meant to be fun . . . so have fun.
8
NEWS
The Advocate
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
Child Development Center begins toxin removal Jordan Tichenor & Mario Rubio The Advocate
The Child Development Center will soon be Bisphenol A free, as all products containing the chemical are replaced. MHCC District Board member Duke Shepard proposed the idea of BPA removal this January. It was adopted unanimously by the board at their January meeting. “I became aware of the BPA issue when preparing for the birth of my daughter about a year ago,” Shepard said. “It’s a toxic chemical that’s found at high concentrations in children, largely from certain plastic containers for food and drink, like sippy cups,” said Shepard. Bisphenol A, or BPA, is an important chemical building block used primarily to make polycarbonate plastic, consumer electronics, medical equipment and a wide array of other instruments used in everyday life. First reported by German scholar Thomas Zincke of the University of Marburg in 1905, the chemical became widely used in 1954 when it was first used to create plastic. Over time BPA has become more common in household items and caused concern to both the federal Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control. BPA protects canned food from contamination from the metal, but in exchange contaminates the food, according to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization whose goal is
to research health risks to children and infants. While the Child Development Center removal has not been given a timeframe, Shepard said, “The administration and the campus community will determine a time frame that works, with the expectation that sooner is better, because we’re talking about the health of children.” The directive adopted by the board is only specific to food and beverage containers for programs that serve children. Kris Pearson, the manager for the Child Development Center, said that the BPA removal is an ongoing process, and that while no specific dates have been set for a complete removal, it is currently on a “case by case basis.” Pearson also said that the Child Development Center has been continually replacing items that contain BPA, even before the board made the resolution. “(The BPA removal) further distinguishes MHCC from its competitor institutions as a leader on important issues and children’s health,” said Shepard. In addition to steps being taken at MHCC, the Oregon Legislature is considering Senate Bill 1032, which would phase out BPA across the state.. “The BPA replacement process in children’s programs has no direct impact on our other campuses or programs. However, if this sparks conversation and consideration on our campuses about BPA or other toxics, that’s always healthy,” said Shepard.
MHCC instructors set to perform Haiti relief concert Feb. 13 Chelsea Van Baalen The Advocate
A concert will be held Feb. 13 at Mt. Scott Community Center from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. as part of a Haiti relief effort by the band Home Brewed. “Anything in profit over the cost of the hall will go to Doctors Without Borders,” bassist and MHCC math instructor Rob Hauss said. The band is comprised of Hauss on bass, Bill Covell, another MHCC math instructor, on lead guitar, his brother Jim Covell on drums, his son Charlie Covell on keyboards, Dave DeVore on rhythm guitar and vocals, Bonnie Hastings on vocals and guitar, and Sherry Costar on vocals. “(We formed) maybe about three or four years ago,” Hauss said. “I’d call it a midlife crisis which is cheaper than a Ferrari.” Hauss said the name Home Brewed came from the fact that “two of the people in the band are brothers.” Home Brewed is a classic rock cover band. “It’s basically old school classic rock,” Hauss said. “We play The Eagles, a few Bonnie Raitt-type
songs.” When it comes to the songs that will be played at the show, Hauss said “The set list is evolving.” Asked why the band decided to put on a relief show for Haiti, Hauss said the idea came from retired MHCC English instructor Dan Hannon. “It was Dan’s idea. I think he wanted originally to host an event that strengthened neighborhood ties and provided relief (for Haiti,)” Hauss said. When it comes to the outcome of the event, Hauss said “I hope we have fun at the event. Make a little money and hopefully help some people.” The Mt. Scott Community Center is located at SE 72nd street in Portland.
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Photo by Jordan Tichenor/ The Advocate
The Child Development Center looks to get rid of anything with Bisphenol A (BPA) in it and to make the center BPA-free as soon as possible. BPA is an important chemical building block used primarily to make polycarbonate plastic, consumer electronics, medical equipment and a wide array of other instruments used in everyday life.
NEWS
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
The Advocate 9
Sygielski to change a handful of administrative positions New positions to be created, 11 other administrators to keep interim jobs another year Ron J Rambo Jr. Advocate
MHCC President John Sygielski is planning to shuffle administrative positions through July, according to an all-staff email he sent out Monday. Vice President of College Advancement Cassie McVeety said Wednesday, “We’re looking at filling positions from a point of openness. This is Dr. Ski wanting to be open about any personnel changes at the college.” Sygielski agreed with McVeety’s comments, and said he is “always interested in promoting high-performing employees from within the college, if possible,” but acknowledged that in some cases, “we may have to open up the searches to gain a wider pool.” Jennifer DeMent, the current interim director of finance and auxiliary services, is one of the administrators to be shuffled. She will take over as director of finance, effective July 1, 2010. “I am pleased to receive a regular appointment to the finance director position and excited to have JoAnn (Zahn) back on the team handling budget and auxiliary services,” said DeMent. “I'm confident that we will be able to continue moving the College forward in achieving its mission.” Zahn has acted as the interim vice president of administrative services since the academic year began. She was unavailable for comment.
Some of the positions involve faculty members that became interim deans but are returning to their positions as instructors. Chris Maier will be returning to her faculty assignment in integrated media at the end of this academic year. Maier has acted as interim associate dean of visual and performing arts and integrated media this year. “When I took this position, it was with the understanding that I would return to my first love— teaching— at the end of one or at the most, two years,” said Maier. “I saw this as an opportunity to contribute at a higher level to an institution whose mission I believe in, with all my heart, and make it a better place.” Eleven other interim administrators will also stay in their current positions for at least another academic year, but, Sygielski said, some of those positions may be posted for recruitment or appointed permanently to those positions. Other positions in transition: Gale Blessing, director of human resources and labor relations, will take over as director of institutional safety and security “on or before July 2010.” Rick Bolesta, interim dean of science, will be returning to his faculty assignment at the end of the academic year. Nancy Szofran, vice president of research and planning and interim director of the library, will relinquish her role as interim director of the library, and a new director of the library position has been developed and will be open for recruitment.
Smoking continued from page 1:
College receives complaints of students still smoking in various areas, looks for help with clean-up discuss some ideas for helping clean areas littered with cigarette butts. Jacobs said, “Facilities staff doesn’t have to clean the area around the bus stop, but to also determine how to encourage people not to smoke in groups, of 25 or 30, in front of the college.” “We are receiving complaints from many students, employees and community members who have to walk through clouds of cigarette smoke to reach either the bus stop or the campus. Volunteers have offered to help clean up the litter on their breaks.” According to Jacobs MHCC doesn’t plan more enforcement. She said, “Public Safety will continue to warn people they see smoking and will begin issuing tickets to those who refuse to obey the policy.” “Like any other college policy, fines will be assessed for those not following policies and/or procedures. No littering signs will soon be in place and fines will be assessed to anyone littering college grounds with cigarette butts,” she said. Jacobs said, “We are all in this together working to create a healthier environment for everyone at all our locations. Ultimately, it is everyone’s responsibility to follow MHCC policy while at any college location. Policy cards are available for anyone comfortable
with presenting a card to someone they see smoking on college grounds. But, in the end, it is important for each individual to monitor their own behavior and be respectful of others.” MHCC student Jennifer Smith (general studies major) said, “The campus is so big. It could have some smoking designed areas, maybe at the parking lot or in the place close to the art department, where we had before. I don’t throw away my cigarette butts. I keep them and when I find a garbage can I throw them away, but they could put a garbage can at the main entrance. There are a lot of cigarette butts. But why can’t you smoke? It is your option.” According to Jacobs, “Maywood Park Campus reports a smooth transition with little or no problems. The Bruning Center is already tobacco-free due to its location next to The Center for Advanced Learning. Many employees and students have been working hard the past six months to help with this implementation and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them. It is their hard work that has made the implementation go as smoothly as it has.” If anyone is interested in helping with cleaning the area around the bus stop, contact Jacobs at 503-4917210.
Photo by Thelma M. Lucas/The Advocate
A student smokes near the TriMet bus stop on the west side of campus.
Transfer Students Northwest Christian University announces a new competitive scholarship for transfer students with a 3.5 transferable GPA or higher. $2000 per year, guaranteed renewable. Find out more and apply by visiting www.northwestchristian.edu/ undergrad/admissions/transfers.aspx.
MHCC to host Haiti relief concert Tuesday Ron J. Rambo Jr. The Advocate
Eugene, Oregon www.northwestchristian.edu 541-684-7201 877-463-6622
MHCC will host a fundraiser Tuesday for the victims of the Haitian earthquake. Current students and alumni are invited to attend, and the event starts at 6 p.m. in the Vista dining center. Dancing, international music, and food are on the agenda. There is a $10 suggested donation, and all the proceeds will go directly to the rebuilding efforts of MHCC students and families in Haiti. Nikki Gillis, MHCC’s CASS and IALS coordinator, sent an all-staff email Tuesday talking about the concert. “With so much media focus on the recent catastrophe in Haiti, many of us are very aware of the monumental challenges confronting the Haitian people,” said Gillis. “But what you may not know is that our MHCC community has some DIRECT connections to the people of this devastated nation. Fortunately, all alumni have managed to contact us to confirm that they survived the earthquake, but have relayed how difficult it is going to be to surmount the overwhelming challenge they face each day as they struggle to rebuild their lives in the face of such loss.”
NEWS
10 The Advocate
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
Eating Disorders: A secret that should not be kept Jen Ashenberner The Advocate
According to Mt. Hood Community College counselor Dawn Forrester although the issue with eating disorders has decreased it still exists on campus. “We can’t get away from it,” said Forrester. “There’s no competing with an airbrush,” Forrester said. “We’re faced with it everyday in the media.” Forrester said even the body shape of Barbie is impossible to measure up to but the media portrayed Barbie’s figure as what women should look like. Asked how prevalent the issue is on MHCC’s campus, Forrester said, “There was a time a couple of years ago when there was a big wave of students facing this issue.” She said it seemed as though the three counselors on staff at that time were getting at least one inquiry a day about eating disorders. Eating disorders can affect men the same way they do women. “We are seeing more and more men with eating disorders,” said Forrester. “As many as 10 million females and one million males in the United States are estimated to be battling eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia,” according to The BACCHUS & GAMMA Peer Education Network. “Approximately 25 million more are struggling with binge eating disorder (compulsive eating disorder).” According to the National Eating Disorders Association some disorders tend to be triggered by an event that is emotionally strenuous and more out of the person’s control, such as a death or loss of some kind. “Triggers can be depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, sexual abuse, child abuse, issues of control,” said Forrester. “The one thing that they can control is what they put in their bodies.” Health experts believe that people who develop anorexia (starvation) strive for perfection but underneath never feel as though they are good enough. They are generally good students, people pleasers, and avoid conflict. Bulimia (binging and purging) usually affects people who are prone to depression, anxiety or impulsivity. They find it difficult to trust other people and maintain independence, causing them to rely on family. Compulsive eating disorder (binge eating) usually affects people who grew up with parents who offered them food as a way to relieve their stress. They then look to food for comfort as an adult, using it as a coping mechanism. Half of these people are usually affected by depression as well. Forrester said, “Eating disorders are very dangerous disorders, disorders that people can die from.”
MHCC District board to consider increasing fees for some classes Ron Rambo
ministrative services. “Because measures 66 and 67 MHCC President John Sygiel- passed,” McVeety said, “we’re not ski is expected to propose raises in looking at additional revenue genclass fees at Wednesday’s district eration or expense cuts to the tune of $1.2 million to $2.8 million. board meeting. According to Vice President The PERS (Public Employees of College Advancement Cassie Retirement System) is a potential McVeety, distance learning course source, a reserve put in place in the event of future problems that fees are slated for increases. “Due to how popular distance need funding. We won’t know how learning has become, costs for run- much we might need until June. ning the programs has increased, What Dr. Ski will be discussing has so I know Dr. Ski has been look- to do with our situation in June. ing at new ways to fund it,” said Just because we’re looking at using McVeety. McVeety said she didn’t some of it doesn’t mean we’ll use all or any of it.” know of any other increases. Neither Zahn nor Sygielski The Associated Student Government Finance Council had were available for comment. At the January board meeting, proposed a 50 cent increase per credit hour, and the Senate passed board member Duke Shepard suggested the college look at the posit Wednesday of last week. Asked why tuition increases sible exposure of BPA at the Child aren’t being proposed, McVeety Development Center, perhaps as said, “Fees are more applied to soon as the February board meetcosts associated with programs. ing. BPA is a chemical found in Tuition would affect every student, some plastics that exposes people whereas the students that decide to increased levels of estrogen to do more expensive programs when the plastics are heated. Shepard said this is especially would have to pay more based on harmful to children in their delab or technology costs.” Also on the agenda for the velopmental stages. However 7 p.m. Wednesday meeting is a nothing is on the board agenda budget update from Sygielski and in regards to a discussion about JoAnn Zahn, vice president of ad- BPA. The Advocate
Photo Illustration by Chelsea Van Baalen/The Advocate
Some of the major effects of anorexia are reduction in bone density, severe dehydration that can result in kidney failure, and low blood pressure that can result in heart failure. Peptic ulcers, electrolyte imbalances that can lead to possible heart failure, pancreatitis, and possible rupture of the esophagus are all major effects of bulimia. Overeating can cause high blood pressure, Type II diabetes mellitus, gallbladder disease and heart disease. Resources are available to anyone who thinks they know someone who is showing signs of an eating disorder, according to Forrester. “We can do some initial assessments,” she said. “Quite
often students who have eating disorders need to get specialized help and attention and we have community resources for that.” The first step, according to Forrester, is to ask for help before you approach the subject with someone with a suspected disorder. “Start by coming in and talking to us. We can give them ways to start that conversation,” she said. BACCHUS & GAMMA pamphlet titled “Understanding Eating Disorders” said that signs of anorexia can include obsessing about food intake and weight gain and engaging in secret behaviors. Loss of weight can cause physical changes like the person is always cold, disruption of the menstrual cycle and they start avoiding spending time with family and friends. They said bulimia may be detected if a person talks incessantly about their weight and if they often go to the restroom after consuming food. People with bulimia may use laxatives, diuretics, or engage in intense exercise. They may have swollen glands, broken blood vessels, or tooth decay from excessive vomiting, and they might start getting involved in many different activities in an attempt to seek approval. Often in secret, a person with compulsive overeating disorder will consume large amounts of food and will gain weight, leaving them feeling unattractive and unhappy according to the pamphlet. Help available to students at MHCC include counselors in the Career Planning Center who can refer students to outside resources. The Health and Wellness Resource Center has several pamphlets in the self-help station that cover topics ranging from social factors contributing to the development of an eating disorder to symptoms and treatments available. “There is help out there,” Forrester said to the campus community. “If someone suspects they have a disorder or someone they know has a disorder, just come in and talk to us.”
5 Steps to a positive body image 1. Aprreciate all that your body can do. 2. Keep a top-10 list of things you like about yourself. 3. Surround yourself with positive people. 4. Become a critical viewer of social and media messages. 5. Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep. *Taken from NEDA's website
Create a market for yourself. Finish your degree online, within your budget and on your schedule. Linfield College’s Adult Degree Program is one of the most affordable degree completion programs in the country. Our next semester of online classes is starting soon.
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Find out more about the Linfield Adult Degree Program. Call Academic Advisor
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503-413-7166 or email rmaddenc@linfield.edu or log on to linfield.edu/dce
LIN9025N_CreateMarketAd_MtHood.indd 1
1/11/10 2:26 PM
NEWS
FEBRUARY 5, 2010
Financial aid session helps 110 students L. John King
The Advocate 11
Calendar
The Advocate
Photo by L. John King/ The Advocate
Interim Director of Financial Aid Christi Hart goes over students FAFSA during MHCC’s fourth annual College Goal Oregon. The next financial aid workshop will take place Feb. 11 from noon to 1 p.m. in room 2307.
The MHCC Financial Aid Office held its fourth annual “College Goal Oregon” Saturday in partnership with the state agency Oregon Student Assistance Commission to assist students to obtain financial aid. The event was held in the MHCC library in room 3333 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to Christi Hart, interim director of financial aid, the goal was to offer individualized assistance to students to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), forms that some students find difficult to understand. Hart said, “We had seven employees of financial aid services and one volunteer available to students and we helped over 110 people to complete their 2010 FAFSA forms.” Hart said, “We want to help students get their FAFSA forms in as early so they can maximize their access to federal financial.” Ronald Kight, a student pursuing a career in counseling, was in the library studying when he found out that the event was in session. He said, “I was happy to get the help because I find the various steps in the forms difficult.” According to Cat Parish, financial aid services will hold a workshop on Feb. 11 from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 2307 of the library to help students successfully write essays to obtain scholarships. For further information, contact Cat Parish at 503-491-7379 or Cat. Parish@mhcc.edu.
Dual enrollment opportunities available for students Ollie Barker The Advocate
Life doesn’t always go according to plan, so having a way to access different options and resources are beneficial for charting a course for the future. An option often overlooked by students is the possibility of dual enrollment. While the thought of being a student at two colleges sounds a bit overwhelming to some, it may just be what is needed for a quicker and smoother graduation. Students wanting to transfer, and who want to have more course options may want to see which colleges are in the dual enrollment program. Having more options can create an easier way to work in everyday life with school. MHCC academic adviser Cecilla Sattergren said, “Some people like it for schedules that fit into their personal needs, and being able
MHCC librarians honored with excellence award by national group Sanne Godfrey The Advocate
The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development will award MHCC librarian Anna Johnson and program specialist Sally Wright excellence awards. The award is presented to them because of their dedication to helping others achieve professional development. The Community of Learners Enterprise (COLE), which has been coordinating professional development at MHCC since September 2009, nominated Johnson and Wright for the award. Previously, the Teaching and Learning Cooperative (TLC) organized professional development at MHCC where Wright was the program specialist for 13 years.
to use both school’s resources such as the libraries or computer labs.” Students can enroll in as many schools as they choose, but two is the most common. Students can work with advisers from both schools helping them find the best route to get their degree or certificate. If a student wants a specific course that isn’t offered at MHCC but is offered at another local college, they can enroll in both schools by applying for dual enrollment. Once in the program, the credits from each school will appear on the transcript without having to send a request form. Many students like being able to take lowerdivision courses and upper-division courses at the same time. Being in the dual enrollment program can make an easier transformation to a university such as Portland State University or Eastern Oregon University. Program forms are available in the MHCC
advising center. A $50 fee is charged. Once submitted and approved, the credits will appear on transcripts, and use of both facilities resources are permitted. To still be considered an MHCC student, the majority of credit hours must be taken here. Financial aid is offered when being enrolled in multiple schools as long as the credits combined add up to enough to qualify students for aid. Determining from which school to receive financial aid benefits also needs to be taken into consideration. The host school is the school where the majority of credits are taken for the term. The total tuition for both schools will not be combined when being dual enrolled. Talking with an adviser at MHCC can help prepare for dual enrollment, and lay out possible strategies that fit around students’ schedules.
Upgrades continue on ventilation system Work is continuing with upgrades to the MHCC ventilation system, and various areas will be affected during February, according to Karen Reynolds, Mt. Hood Community College environmental health and safety manager. Before this work begins, an asbestos abatement contractor will open the ceiling in the affected area and clean any fireproofing debris that has fallen on top of the ceiling tiles, Reynolds said. This is done to protect employees and the workers who are installing and wiring the digital controls, she said. Orange tags have been or will be placed on the doors to the rooms where the work is occurring. The ceiling penetrations will be sealed with plastic or taped down cardboard so that the next set of workers will be able to access the ventilation boxes. Asbestos containing, Monocote fireproofing, 5 percent Chrysotile, has been applied to the structural members of the Main Academic Center with the exception of the 1700-2700 wing. Abatement and cleanup efforts have taken place over the past 20 years and are recorded on the asbestos survey maps. A database of asbestos air monitoring and bulk sample results is maintained in the MHCC, Environmental Health and Safety Office, Room
165 and the maintenance shop. The fireproofing is in good condition in most areas, Reynolds said. However, the potential for asbestos containing debris is a concern. In the absence of an asbestos analysis of the debris in each area of work, the college assumes that any debris on top of the ceiling tiles is “potential asbestos containing material,” PACM, and any above- ceiling work that could cause this material to enter the employee work areas must be coordinated by the Environmental Health and Safety and Facilities Management. The greatest concern for employees are small asbestos fibers that can become lodged in the lungs, Reynolds said. Air monitoring on the workers who vacuum these areas has been significantly below the OSHA permissible levels and air monitoring in the employee areas below has met the DEQ clearance level indicating that respirable fiber counts are at the lowest detectable levels. Fortunately, according to Reynolds, the large particles that have been seen when the fireproofing becomes friable are not creating airborne asbestos fibers. Nonetheless, cleaning up this debris when it falls into the work environment is important.
Friday, Feb. 5 Student Success Seminar Study Smarter, Not Harder from noon to 1 p.m. in room 2307
Saturday, Feb. 6 Women's basketball vs. Portland Panthers 4 p.m. @ Portland Men's basketball vs. Portland Panthers 6 p.m. @ Portland Nathan Orosco's "Fossil" exhibit begins in Visual Arts Gallery
monday, Feb. 8 Cookie decorating make-n-take from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the College Center Black Student Union Being Black in America-Equity from noon to 1 p.m. in Town and Gown Room
Tuesday, Feb. 9 Coping with Depression student success seminar from noon to 1 p.m. in room 2307 50 First Dates popcorn & a movie from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m in the Visual Arts Theater Help Haiti Fundrasier from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Vista Dining
Wednesday, Feb. 10 Black Student Union Breaking the Sterotypes Open Forum from noon to 1 p.m. College Center Karoke: Love song from noon to 2 p.m. in the Vista Dining Women's basketball vs. Clackamas Cougars 5:30 p.m. @ Oregon City Men's basketball vs. Clackamas Cougars 7:30 @ Oregon City MHCC District Board meeting starting @ 6 p.m. in the Board Room
Friday, Feb. 12 The Advocate, Issue 16 in news stands around campus